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Former England coach Peter Moores is a genius, says Nottinghamshire’s Brendan Taylor.
BRENDAN Taylor says former England coach Peter Moores is a “genius” after working closely with him.
Taylor is starting his second season with Nottinghamshire after retiring from international cricket with Zimbabwe following the last World Cup.
Having enjoyed an inconsistent first year with Notts, when he averaged 34 in four-day cricket, Taylor spent the winter playing Twenty20 cricket around the globe, something he feels left him with work to do to be ready for the County Championship.
With that in mind, he spent time in the nets working with Moores and is the latest in a long line of players to praise Notts’ coaching consultant.
“I was fortunate to play in two T20 tournaments in Bangladesh and the MCL (Masters Champions League) in Dubai over the winter,” he said.
“It’s not ideal for four day practice though so I got here a month early to put some work in with Mooresy.
“He’s a genius at what he does. He’s so positive; his work ethic is second to none.
“Whatever he says is spot on. He’s really doing us batters and the whole team good.
“It’s a pleasure to have him here and working with him will stand us in good stead.”
The wicket-keeper/batsman has just turned 30 and feels he could be entering the best years of his career, despite a top score of 20 in the first two games of the County Championship season.
“I think I learned a great deal last year. I started well, tapered off in the middle and finished ok,” he said.
“I was pretty disappointed in that. I think I have a lot more to offer and can be a lot more consistent.
“Trying to adapt to conditions and opening is a challenge. I’m trying to mould myself into a better player.
“I’m excited for this season and playing in a great side like this. I can’t wait to put some of the changes I’ve made to my game into practice.
“I think these could be my best years. I’ve worked on my game and understand it better.
“Working with a guy like Mooresy is getting me into a position to do really well. If I take care of myself a bit better there’s plenty of good years left in me.
“I settled straightaway last season. It feels like home here.
“That’s half the battle but the other half, the much more important one, is to perform on the pitch for Notts.”
One of Taylor’s primary reasons for swapping Harare for Nottingham was the hope he would win silverware, something that was always likely to elude him playing internationally.
Notts missed out last season, finishing third in the County Championship and losing in the Royal London One Day Cup semi-final.
However, Taylor is confident he can pick up a winner’s medal this season.
“For sure we’ve got an exciting squad. Young boys are pushing through so there’s no comfort zone for everyone,” he said.
“In the long-term this club is definitely going to push for titles.
“I came here to win a trophy or two. At times last year we played some average cricket and still came third.
“If we tighten up on that and get over the line when we get in good positions we’ll be fine.” – Nottingham Post
Online Reporter